Unobtrusive Ways to Ask for Gifts

List Registry information on Invitations
The opportunity to receive gifts increases if you register at a store before upcoming celebrations. Gift registries are available online and at brick and mortar stores like Wal-Mart, JC Penny, Bed Bath & Beyond and other retailers. Select the gift items that you would like to own and list the stores where you registered on each party invitation. This approach to ask for gifts is more welcome than blatantly requesting them from guests. Store registries are one of the most effective and unobtrusive ways to ask for gifts.

Ask for Gifts using Jokes
Party hosts or guests of honor who do not want to register at stores can turn their gift requests into jokes or riddles. Guests may be more receptive to this approach than writing "Gifts are accepted" or "Gifts are appreciated" on the party invitations. Add funny verses to the invitations like "You do not have to bring a gift...unless it's a Star Wars DVD or Bart Simpson T-Shirt!" and place them near the RSVP information. This will make guests laugh and be more inclined to actually bring a gift item to your party. Each party invitation should have a different gift list to reduce any likelihood of multiple guests bringing the same item.

Mention the Gift Table when Listing a Location
Another way to ask for gifts is by providing very detailed information about your party location. This works better for events that do not take place at someone's house but can be used in either venue. Add driving directions under the location information and mention a gift table or section at the end. Do not write basic information such as "End at ABC Street" on party invitations. The last directions should walk guests through to the front door such as "End at the 3rd building on the left....blue door and gift section in the lobby". Driving directions is one of many unobtrusive ways to ask for gifts by elaborating on your party invitations.

Provide Gift Giving Options
Add extra information about where gift items can be sent as unobtrusive ways to ask for gifts on party invitations. Setup a mailing address where gifts can be mailed or dropped off. You can also create a "gift check" area at the party location similar to "coat check" closets. Hire two staff members to handle this area and provide advance notice on party invitations. Guests that arrive early without an item may also notice the gift checking area and leave to pick up a new present.